Sun Gold Tomato in Zone 6B — Pacific Northwest

Sun Gold tomatoes are like little bursts of sunshine in your mouth, and they're worth the effort to grow here. Their intense sweetness and beautiful color make them perfect for snacking straight from the vine, adding to salads, or even roasting to concentrate their flavor. Plus, with our cool nights, you'll find the flavor is even more concentrated.

Growing tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest does come with some challenges, like our cool springs and the risk of late blight. But don’t worry, with careful timing and a few tricks, you can absolutely enjoy a bountiful harvest of Sun Golds within our 162-day growing season.

Start your Sun Gold tomato seeds indoors from late March through mid April, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them warm – around 70-75°F – using a heat mat if needed, as our spring weather can be slow to warm things up.

Provide plenty of light, ideally with a grow light, since we often have overcast spring days. Water gently from the bottom to avoid damping off – set the tray in a shallow container of water and let the soil absorb it. This helps prevent fungal issues that can plague seedlings in our wet springs.

Transplant your Sun Gold tomato seedlings outdoors from mid May through mid June, once the danger of frost has passed. Before transplanting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the cooler temperatures and stronger sunlight.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Even though it might feel late, waiting until the soil warms up a bit will give them a much better start. Our springs can be cool, and tomatoes hate cold feet!

Sun Gold tomatoes need consistent watering, especially in our dry summer months. While our summers are mild, the lack of rain can stress your plants if you aren't careful. The finger test is your friend: stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Generally, aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. It's best to water deeply at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, to avoid creating humid conditions around the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases. Our dry-summer humidity helps, but it's still best to be cautious.

If the leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, it's a sign of underwatering. If the leaves are yellowing and the soil feels soggy, you're likely overwatering. A good layer of mulch around the base of the plants will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature consistent.

Sun Gold tomatoes are vigorous indeterminate plants, meaning they'll keep growing and producing fruit all season long. They need strong support to keep them off the ground and prevent the vines from sprawling. A tall, sturdy tomato cage is a good option, or you can use stakes.

Install the support at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stem to the support to keep it upright. These plants get huge, so don't skimp on the support!

Sun Gold tomatoes are notorious for their aggressive growth, so pruning is essential to keep them manageable. The key is to remove the suckers that grow in the "armpit" between the main stem and the branches. These suckers will turn into new stems and create a tangled mess if left unchecked.

Prune regularly throughout the season, especially early on, to encourage the plant to focus its energy on fruit production. Towards the end of the season, around early October, you can top the plant (cut off the top) to encourage the remaining green tomatoes to ripen before the first frost.

You can expect your first Sun Gold tomato harvest from mid July through late August. The tomatoes are ripe when they turn a vibrant orange-gold color and are slightly soft to the touch. They should also have an intensely sweet aroma. Often, they'll drop from the vine when they're perfectly ripe.

Gently twist or snip the tomatoes from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. To encourage continued production, harvest regularly as the tomatoes ripen. As the first frost approaches in early October, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll still taste great, even if they're not quite as sweet as vine-ripened ones.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with Sun Gold tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest:

Cracking

• What it looks like: Splits in the tomato skin, either concentric (circles around the stem) or radial (lines radiating from the stem).
• What causes it: Inconsistent watering, especially heavy watering after a dry spell. The fruit absorbs water faster than the skin can expand.
• How to fix/prevent it: Water consistently to avoid the dry/wet cycle. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Harvest promptly when ripe.

Over-Production

• What it looks like: A massive amount of tomatoes all ripening at once, overwhelming your ability to use them. The plant may seem stunted or stressed from the sheer volume of fruit.
• What causes it: Sun Golds are just prolific producers! The mild summers and long days of the PNW can really fuel their growth.
• How to fix/prevent it: Harvest regularly and frequently. Prune aggressively to direct energy into fewer, larger fruits if desired. Share with neighbors!

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost). Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide slows spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Late blight is a constant threat in our region, especially with our wet springs. Providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using blight-resistant varieties can help. Slugs are also a common pest, so use your preferred slug control methods (beer traps, copper tape, etc.). Our short bursts of actual heat mean you'll want to keep a close eye on watering and be ready to harvest the moment those tomatoes are ready.

Companion planting can help your Sun Gold tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels tomato hornworms and other pests, and it's said to improve the flavor of the tomatoes. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests and diseases, so it's best to keep them separated. By choosing the right companions, you can create a healthier and more productive garden in our unique Pacific Northwest environment.